I am _________

If I were to ask you to complete "I am ______", how would you do it?

Did you complete it with something that has to do with your personal trait? (i.e. "I am brave", "I am independent") or did you complete it with something involving your social identity? (i.e. "I am Chinese", " I am Christian") There is no right or wrong answer; it's just the culture that you've been brought up in that influences the way you complete the sentence.

In Western cultures, the concept of individuality trumps (pun intended) social identity. Who you are is a self-contained notion; your identity is independent from those around you. Prioritising one's own goals over faction goals and defining oneself through personal traits is more important than your sense of belonging to a group. The way Western cultures work, is that it empowers the idea that one's life is enhanced through the capacity of personal control. Individualism prevails when one interprets their identity as an autonomous self.

On the other hand, cultures prominent in Asia, Africa and South America reinforce the idea of collectivism over individuality - respecting the group you belong to, and hence identifying oneself subsequently. The group's goals will always come before individual goals. Those brought up in cultures like these tend to have less of a need of self-regard, and are more critical of themselves. They think in terms of the group before themselves, reinforcing the idea of the interdependent self - one's identity is created in relation and in tandem to those around you.

Perhaps both cultures can take a leaf out of each other's books. The Western culture could do with being less self-centred and the Eastern culture could do with embracing the idea of being different from a group. A little lesson each day won't hurt anyone.

However, the idea of learning from each other seems to not be everyone's cup of tea. There are plenty of people out there that cannot accept the idea of collectivism or individuality.

*this may seem a little iffy as I'm now going to speak in the perspective of Eastern cultures and the things I'm observing* (it may get a little sensitive...)

As far as I know there are still many in my culture that cannot accept the idea of individuality/individualism. Not to be critical, but these people seem to be those who are our elders - the generation (or two) before us. The idea of being different, being independent, somehow seems unacceptable. My question is, "Why?" With time, things change and people change. (I mean, what doesn't change?) Whatever that was applicable back then may not be applicable now. Mindsets have changed, and being stuck in the past will not solve today's problems. Is it so hard to accept individuality? Is being different a sin? What one generation thinks is right, may not be right for the next generation.

I'm not saying the collectivistic ideals are not ideal (hah), it's the inflexibility of people that is an issue. I was raised in a collectivistic culture, and most of its values I still stand by today. However, after being exposed to individualism, I understood why it was being valued by Western cultures. Being unique is like having your own fingerprint - no one can be like you. Why would you be something you aren't? Why would you be something that only your group wants you to be?

I like to think I'm a hybrid of both. Raised with norms and values that South East Asian cultures have, with the ideas of Western cultures - I appreciate both (in some cases, one more than the other).

So if someone asks who you are, simply say "I am what I am, deal with it." ;)

P.S. I guess Social Psychology class paid off... (shout out to my social psychology textbook)

P.P.S. I know this is a bit of a touchy subject, but if you would like to see me comment on more things like these (or if you would like to have your say on things like this), send me an email! :)

Image credit: Anna Hirata

#confidence #personal #perspective #lifelessons #cultures #opinion